Can I use a 20amp outlet receptical on a 15amp circuit?

Can I use a 20amp outlet receptical on a 15amp circuit?

I have a power strip I need to configure and it has a t plug on it like this one:http://cache.smarthome.com/images/4541w.jpg
(the power strip itself wont be using more than 1 amp, as I will have nothing plugged into it.)

I can I replace my 15amp receptical with a 20amp one, or is that generally a no no?

I have a power strip I need to configure and it has a t plug on it like this one:http://cache.smarthome.com/images/4541w.jpg
(the power strip itself wont be using more than 1 amp, as I will have nothing plugged into it.)

I can I replace my 15amp receptical with a 20amp one, or is that generally a no no?

I have a power strip I need to configure and it has a t plug on it like this one:http://cache.smarthome.com/images/4541w.jpg
(the power strip itself wont be using more than 1 amp, as I will have nothing plugged into it.)

I can I replace my 15amp receptical with a 20amp one, or is that generally a no no?

Why not just replace the end on the power strip? Or better yet buy a new power strip that doesn't require a 20 amp plug on it.

I dont think that a light switch would matter. The reason for the receptacle is you have someone come into your house to do work. But they need a 20 amp receptacle for there tool. And you have a 20 amp receptacle on a 15 amp circuit well they are going to look at the 20 amp receptacle and say well there is 20 amps I will plug into that. You dont want them to mess up anything. Its basicly saying you have more power there than you really do.

I dont think that a light switch would matter. The reason for the receptacle is you have someone come into your house to do work. But they need a 20 amp receptacle for there tool. And you have a 20 amp receptacle on a 15 amp circuit well they are going to look at the 20 amp receptacle and say well there is 20 amps I will plug into that. You dont want them to mess up anything. Its basicly saying you have more power there than you really do.

Thanks! I replaced the switch and a power outlet without starting a fire or electrocuting myself, which for me is a big accomplishment since I am a home improvement idiot.

Thanks again for the help.

PS. for the 20 amp receptical I put in it my laundry room, which had the outlets on a 20 amp circuit.

I can use a 15amp switch on a 20amp circuit, but shouldn't use a 20amp switch on a 15amp circuit, correct?

on a 15 amp circuit, you use a switch rated at least 15 amps. On a 20 amp circuit, you use a switch rated at least 20 amps. The intent is so you cannot overload the switch on whatever circuit it is on.

In other words, you can use a switch rated for 100 amps on a 15 amp circuit if you want but you cannot use a 15 amp rated switch on a 100 amp circuit.

on a 15 amp circuit, you use a switch rated at least 15 amps. On a 20 amp circuit, you use a switch rated at least 20 amps. The intent is so you cannot overload the switch on whatever circuit it is on.

In other words, you can use a switch rated for 100 amps on a 15 amp circuit if you want but you cannot use a 15 amp rated switch on a 100 amp circuit.

Sorry nap, switches are rated by load... so I can install 15 amp switch on a 20 amp circuit. So as long as the load is not more than the switch is rated for.